21 best things to do at Tanjong Pagar that isn’t cafe hopping

NUS blue Baba House

Beyond cafes and Korean food, here are 21 things that you can actually do when you’re in Tanjong Pagar

This guide also includes activities and attractions from nearby neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Telok Ayer, and Maxwell, which are within a 10-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station.

What’s there to do at Tanjong Pagar?

1. SAM Distripark
2. Tong Mern Sern Antiques
3. The Block Bouquet
4. New Art Museum Singapore
5. KADA
6. Sparkle Please
7. The Bookstore by Books Beyond Border
8. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
9. Whitestone Art Gallery
10. Me Cafe & Games
11. With Love
12. Baba House
13. Fortuna Terrazza Cafe
14. Pizza Studio Tamaki
15. Robata Akari 
16. Cafe Kreams
17. Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar
18. Maxwell Food Centre
19. Pout Rooftop Cafe
20. Myungga II Korean Restaurant


1. SAM @ Distripark

𝘚𝘈𝘔 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴: 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘛𝘰 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥𝘴
Photo: SAM / Instagram

Visit SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark to explore bold, thought-provoking artworks by local and regional artists. Set inside a converted warehouse, the museum feels fresh, creative, and full of life.

The current exhibitions lineup can be found here.

Location: 39 Keppel Rd, #01-02, Singapore 089065
Opening hours: 10am-7pm


2. Tong Mern Sern Antiques

Tong Mern Sern Antique store
Photo: Rotodunum / Google Images

Tong Mern Sern Antiques is a charming antique store full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Step inside and browse rows of vintage furniture, old lamps, porcelain pieces, and quirky collectibles from decades past. 

Fun fact, it’s the oldest shop along Craig Road!

Location: 51 Craig Rd, Singapore 089689
Opening hours: 9.30am-5.30pm


3. The Block Bouquet

Instructor teaching how to fold bouquet flowers

One of the most worth-it DIY workshops in Singapore. The Block Bouquet allows you to DIY your own LEGO flowers, and wrap it up into a bouquet

Drop by to design your own arrangement or join a workshop to build one from scratch. Perfect for gifts, weddings, or just to brighten your shelf.

Location: 87 Kampong Bahru Road #02-03, Singapore 169381
Opening hours: 12-8pm


4. New Art Museum Singapore

New Art Museum Singapore
Photo: New Art Museum Singapore

At the New Art Museum Singapore, you’ll find exciting modern art that mixes ideas, technology, and nature. Each exhibition brings something different, whether it’s an interactive display, large-scale sculpture, or digital artwork. 

Location: 39 Keppel Road, #05-03/06 Tanjong Pagar Distripark (Lobby B), Singapore 089065
Opening hours: 11am-7pm


5. KADA

KADA Building Facade
Photo: KADA / Google Images

KADA is a cool lifestyle space that occupies a restored 1920s building — with a 100-year old lift. You can grab coffee at one of the stylish cafes (we recommend Pacto by Parchment and Haus), dine at a TikTok-viral taco store, shop from small local brands, and even sign up for a fitness or wellness class.

Location: 5 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: 8.30am-10pm

First time at KADA? Here’s everything you can eat there


6. Sparkle Please

crystal bracelet making workshop
Photo: Sparkle Please / Instagram

For a fun and creative day out, head to Sparkle Please to design your own accessories, from shiny beaded bracelets to cute keychains and necklaces. The DIY workshop is super easy and enjoyable, even if you’re a beginner!

The workshop starts at $68 per pax for 2 hours bracelet making. Book here.

Location: 89A Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088510
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Thu: 11am-7pm
Fri-Sat: Closed
Sunday: 11am-8pm


7. The Bookstore by Books Beyond Borders

bookshelves on the bookstore
Photo: AbsolutLifePassion Singapore / Google Images

For book lovers, Books Beyond Borders is a spot in Tanjong Pagar worth checking out. You’ll find shelves filled with pre-loved books of all kinds like novels, travel reads, and self-help gems waiting for a new home. 

The best part? Every book you buy helps support education in developing countries. You can also donate your old books to find them new owners.

Location: 33 Erskine Rd, #01-08 Opp Maxwell Foodcentre/MRT Exit 2, Singapore 069333
Opening hours: 11am-8pm


8. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Photo: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre is free to visit and features exhibitions, art displays, and fun activities that show how tradition meets modern life. 

You can join workshops, catch performances, or enjoy the rooftop garden for great city views and a relaxing break. You can check their current events here.

Location: 1 Straits Blvd, Singapore 018906
Opening hours:
Monday: 2-8pm
Tue-Sun: 10am-8pm


9. Whitestone Art Gallery

a collection of artworks at Whitestone Gallery
Photo: Whitestone Art Gallery

If you love thought-provoking artworks from Asia, Whitestone Art Gallery is a must visit.

Admission is free, so you can pop in anytime to wander through the minimalist halls and discover something new.

Location: 39 Keppel Road, #05-03/06 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065.
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 11am-7pm


10. ME Cafe & Games

collection of boardgames at ME Cafe & Games
Photo: ME Cafe & Games

ME Cafe & Games brings a fresh twist to the usual board game cafe.

Styled like an indoor camping site, it’s a cosy hangout where you can play board games, enjoy Nintendo Switch matches, or chill with friendly cats. You can even try real-life camping vibes in a private tent.

Prices start at $16.8 for the first hour and $12 for each one after, book ahead to secure your spot.

Location: 77b Tg Pagar Rd, level 3, Singapore 088498
Opening hours: 24 hours


11. With Love

collection of clothing sold at with love store display
Photo: Paper Palette / Instagram

With Love is an elegant boutique store at Tanjong Pagar that sells independent brands from across South East Asian countries. Elevate your fashion choices here with pieces are sourced from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and many more.

Location: 142 Neil Rd, Singapore 088871
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm
Sunday: 11am-9pm


12. Baba House

NUS blue Baba House
Photo: Terence Ngoh / Google Images

Baba House is a beautifully restored blue shophouse that takes you back to old Peranakan life in Singapore. Walk through its rooms filled with antique furniture, colourful tiles, and traditional decor that tell stories of a bygone era. 

While it’s currently closed for major restoration and conservation works, it’s set to reopen in 2027. In the meantime, you can still join the Baba House Exposed Tour to learn about the building’s architecture and preservation process. Check the tours info here.

Location: 157 Neil Rd, Singapore 088883
Opening hours: current timings are limited and available at their website


13. Fortuna Terrazza Cafe

Fortuna Terrazza coffee station and ambience
Photo: Fortuna Terrazza

From the team behind Fortuna Italian Trattoria, #28 in Asia’s Top 50 Best Pizza, this breezy new cafe at Tanjong Pagar takes inspiration from Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Think artisanal drinks, fresh desserts, and Italian coastal classics — pastas, pizzas, and wines.

Location: 10 Craig Rd, Singapore 089670
Opening hours: 10am-6pm


14. Pizza Studio Tamaki

Pizza Studio Tamaki
Photo: Pizza Studio Tamaki / Instagram

Fresh from Tokyo, Pizza Studio Tamaki brings its famous Tokyo-Neapolitan pizzas to Singapore. Known for its light, chewy crust and 30-hour fermented dough, each pizza is wood-fired to perfection using top-quality Japanese ingredients. 

Perfect for casual date night, their best selling menu are their Tamaki ($29), 5 Formaggi ($34), and their Omakase Dessert ($16).

Location: 38 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088461
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu: 12-3.30pm, 5-10pm
Friday: 12-3.30pm, 5-11pm
Sat-Sun: 12-11pm


15. Robata Akari 

Robata Akari Japanese restaurant
Photo: Robata Akari

Robata Akari is a new Japanese robatayaki spot in Singapore bringing the charm of charcoal grilling and fresh seasonal ingredients to your plate. Think skewers, flame-kissed veggies, seafood and meats grilled over hot coals, and a warm ambience that’s perfect for friends catching up or intimate dinners.

Some of their menu are Charcoal Grilled Chicken ($13), Dried Fatty Salmon Belly ($18), and Premium Wagyu Sukiyaki with Egg ($34).

Location: 10 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089594
Opening hours: 5pm-12am


16. Cafe Kreams

Dalgona Latte at Cafe Kreams - Korean honeycomb toffee with iced latte
Dalgona Latte at Cafe Kreams, the Korean autumn-themed cafe in Tanjong Pagar

Cafe Kreams is adored for its Korean autumn garden-themed decoration.

Located at Maxwell Chambers, just beside Tanjong Pagar MRT station, you can capture Instagram-worthy moments in this enchanting cafe. Of course, the food is not to be neglected as well.

Indulge in their delectable dessert and coffee selections, featuring delights such as the classic Signature Tiramisu ($12) and the nutty Pistachio Matcha-misu ($12). 

Additionally, try their Korean-inspired beverages like Sweet Potato Latte, Cloud Latte, and Dalgona Coffee. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you will also be delighted to hear that this cafe roasts its own coffee beans.

Location: 32 Maxwell Rd, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am-11.30pm
Sunday: 12pm-11.30pm

17. Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar

TORASHO RAMEN AND CHARCOAL BAR MENU
Photo: Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar

For a laid-back Japanese dining experience, head to Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar along Tras Street. The place mixes ramen, robata (charcoal-grilled skewers), and bar bites with a modern, stylish edge. 

The open kitchen and cosy lighting add to its charm, their recommended offerings are Charcoal Chasu Unagi Donabe ($38) and Truffle Wagyu Dry Ramen ($22).

Location: 32 Tras St, Singapore 078972
Opening hours:
Monday: 11.30am-3pm, 6-9.30pm
Tue-Thu: 11.30am-3pm, 6-10.30pm
Fri-Sat: 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-3am
Sunday: 11.30am-3pm, 6-9.30pm


18. Maxwell Food Centre

For a taste of Singapore’s food heritage, head to Maxwell Food Centre.

Especially if you’re a tourist who’s visiting Singapore for the first time, it’s the perfect food centre to get all of Singapore’s best local food, without the steep prices and inconvenience — literally located in the city centre.

Location: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184
Opening hours: 8am-10pm


19. Pout Rooftop Cafe

Cosy dining ambiance at Pout Rooftop Cafe
Photo: Pout Rooftop Cafe

You have to check out this new cafe in Tanjong Pagar.

Perched on the 6th floor of the CMO Building, Pout Rooftop Cafe offers breezy views of the Marina Bay skyline.

Opt for their White ($5.9) or Matcha Latte ($6.9) and pair it with their Brulee Basque Cheesecake ($9.9).

Location: 50 South Bridge Rd, Unit 06-00, Singapore 058682
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
Sat-Sun: Closed

20. Myungga II Korean Restaurant

the famous Haemul Jjambbong
Photo: mentaik.o / Google Images

With a nickname like “Little Korea,” you can’t go wrong with Korean food in Tanjong Pagar.

If you’re after that true Korean comfort food fix, Myung Ga II is the place to be. Hidden in Tanjong Pagar, this cosy eatery serves golden and crunchy Donkatsu ($22), rich Haemul Jjambbong ($22), and refreshing Mul-naengmyeon ($18) that cools you right down. 

They have lunch set special starting from $45.9 for two pax inclusive of one stew, one hotplate menu, and one kimbap of your choice.

Location: 50 South Bridge Rd, Unit 06-00, Singapore 058682
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am-3pm, 5.30-11pm
Sunday: 11am-3pm, 5.30-10pm


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